Ross William Hamilton/The OregonianJacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State's brilliant tailback, breaks loose against Stanford.The story lines are converging for the biggest Civil War in the 113-year history of the rivalry, now two days away.

Among them:

-- Oregon is a 10-point favorite according to the line listed in this
morning's Oregonian. I think that spread is way out whack. The Ducks
might win, but I don't think this will be anything like their 65-38 romp last year. Oregon had a bye coming into the 2008 Civil War,
and two weeks to prepare. OSU was banged up and just a week removed from
a hard-won game at Arizona. As for the homefield advantage, well, the
Beavers won the last Civil War played in Autzen Stadium.

Put a gun to my head, and I'll say the Ducks will win. But I expect it to be close and still in doubt late in the game.

-- The Rose Bowl awaits the winner. If OSU wins, the Ducks are bound for the Holiday Bowl. If Oregon wins, the Beavers probably head to the Las Vegas Bowl.

-- Both teams feature dynamite running backs. The whole Jacquizz Rodgers vs. LaMichael James thing was debated this morning in The Oregonian. The O's columnist, John Canzano, weighed in on Quizz's behalf. Me? I would take either one. I think it's a silly debate. They're both great

Thomas Boyd/The OregonianOregon's lightning-fast LaMichael James.-- Supwitchugirl -- the three-student rap group with the "I Love My Ducks" video that drew the ire of Oregon's marketing arm for unauthorized use of the costumed Duck mascot -- has to come to an understanding with the university that allow the group's T-shirts to be sold at the UO book store. T-shirts are expected to go on sale this afternoon.

This being the Civil War, there has been a counter-move by a group of OSU rappers, who came up with the video Pasadena Bound (I Smell Roast Duck)